Otsuōkidani Rice Terraces
It is said that thousands of terraced rice paddies line the Sayo mountainside, glistening green in the summer and golden in the fall. One of the most scenic rice terraces in Japan, the beautiful forms of the paddies are a gift from our ancestors.
DetailDetailed information
- Address
- Oukitani,Sayo Town
- Related web sites
- http://34cho.com/kankou/otsuookidani-tanada/
MAPNeighborhood Information
RecommendRelated Recommended Spots
Hanataka Gokufuten
Enjoy workshops on pressed flower crafts and porcelain art, which involves painting on white porcelain with transfer paper. (Reservations required)
Tatsunoya (Main Shop)
Established in 1697, you can experience a slice of Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1867) at this historical soy sauce shop. Strictly using traditional methods, soy sauces such as the "Sannnen Soy Sauce" are made by slowly aging domestic whole soybeans for a period of three years. Others, such as the "Sashimi Soy Sauce," are made by adding koji (rice malt) back into raw soy sauce to bring out its rich aroma. Soy sauces sold here are all-natural and do not contain any additives.
Kozoji Temple
"In 725 (Jinki 2) ,Emperor Shomu was informed that there was a mountain in Sayo County, Banshu, that shone with rainbow light and had a pleasant fragrance, and he order the Shonin Gyoki to investigate. The guru prayed earnestly around the mountain, and on the seventh day, a white-haired old man appeared and told him, ""I have been waiting for you to come. If you carve my image and enshrine it, it will benefit people,"" and the being transformed himself into a thousand-armed Kannon. It is said that the main image of the statue, the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara, was carved over the next 1,000 days. Emperor Godaigo stopped by the temple when he was exiled to Oki during the Motohiro Rebellion, and prayed for victory in the battle to revive his country. During the Edo period (1603-1867), it became a family temple of the Mori family, lords of the Mikazuki domain, and prospered as a mausoleum and three-story pagoda were built. It is the 10th temple of the 33 temples in the western part of Harima. It is one of the seven gods of good fortune in western Japan."
Statue of Hōjō Tokiyori
Hōjō Tokiyori was a shogun during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) and ruled from 1246 to 1256. Tokiyori was often praised for his character, traveling the country and helping those in need. It is said that he visited this area, staying for three months due to a severe illness. Because of his extended stay, the region became known as "Mikazuki", meaning "three-day moon". Tokiyori, who received generous nursing care from the villagers, left a wooden statue he had carved and a waka poem as a token of his gratitude. After this, the village was named "Haruya," after a verse in the poem.
Chikusa River
The Chikusa River has been selected as one of the 100 most beautiful waters in Japan. Every year during peak season, the river is often seen crowded with fishermen.
Glaminka Sayo
For those who want a unique Japanese glamping experience during their travels, this is the place! This glamping campground was once an old village at risk of falling into ruin, but was instead saved by a team of architects from all over Japan who treasured the building's beauty and historical value. The four old folk houses were restored with a comfortable, modern twist while maintaining the old traditional architectural charm of the structures.
GourmetNearby Gourmet Spots
Restaurant 「Canopus」Inside the Nishi-Harima Observatory
Observatory restaurant with coffee, lunch and wild game meat. The name "Canopus" comes from Alpha Carinae, the brightest star in the constellation Carinae. Breakfast and dinner for meals, rest use and overnight guest are accommmodated. We also recommend the "Deer croquette Set meal" using venison, a speciality of Sayo Town.
Traditional Folk-House Dining Douman
This popular cafe mixes the traditional atmosphere of its architecture and antiques with modern furnishing. Spicy curry served at Douman is made with fruits, Japanese vegetables, and beef tendon, amongsts other ingredients, giving it hints of natural sweetness and making for an exquisite dining experience. The cafe also allows dogs and has a spacious dog running course in the back for owners to use.
Morimori-Tei
This local restaurant specializes in a variety of Chinese dishes, yakiniku BBQ, and motsunabe hot pot. Others items include wild boar, Japanese black wagyu offal, chicken wings, chicken thighs, skewered beef, Japanese-style croquettes, and minced meat cutlets.
Shinsayo Yakiniku
Established in 1975, the restaurant still maintains its quaint Showa Period Japanese atmosphere. All the grilled teppan-yaki and yakiniku BBQ meat dishes are made only using the finest Japanese black wagyu. You can also enjoy offal yakiudon, stir-fried noodles, with a delicious miso-based sauce.
GOCCIA coffee factory
Special coffee beans from around the world are house-roasted here. The cafe offers various meals and pastries for customers to enjoy and also sells coffee beans to take home.
Oyasumi-dokoro Uryubara
This community center was renovated from the original residence of the Uryubara family. The Uryubara's ran a foundry business in the region from the Edo Period (1603-1867) until the beginning of the Showa Period (1926-1989). The current building, erected in 1810, has a large smoke vent built into the roof, a unique architectural aspect of buildings in the former inn town of Hirafuku. The facility offers homemade soba, allowing visitors to sit-back, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal while they tour the building.
HOTELNearby Accommodations
University of Hyogo Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory
Located at the summit of Mount Onade, the Nishi-Harima Observatory is equipped with a two-meter aperture Nayuta telescope, one of the world's largest available for public use. Centered around the observatory, there are nature trails, lodging facilities for groups and families, restaurants, and other facilities that allow visitors to stay overnight and enjoy stargazing to the fullest. Viewing parties are held every evening for overnight guests, while a general viewing party is held on Sundays for day-trippers. Please note that reservations are required on Saturdays and holidays. Many astronomical events are held throughout the year, allowing visitors to feel closer to the stars and the universe.
Farm Inn Mitsuyama no Sato
"This 110-year-old house was restored using traditional construction methods, and is a farmer's inn that is limited to one couple per day. Visitors are warmly welcomed with a smile and the words, ""Come and have dinner with us around the chabudai (tea table),"" so you can enjoy a taste of life in the countryside from season to season , centering on farming activities such as planting and harvesting vegetables, One of the best parts is that you can also enjoy creative cuisine using seasonal vegetables and rice with the full of the power of the earth, grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers from the farm. We invite you to experience the power of diverse living creatures and the energy of the earth, and to be surrounded by rich nature for a healing experience that will reset your spirit. "
Outdoor vacation rental Ahirunomori
"The owner, who used to run an outdoor shop in Osaka, started this hands-on home-stay experience when he moved to the area. The appealing menu includes bushcraft workshops based on the experience of former Self-Defense Forces personnel, and cycling tours using electric cross bikes. Guests are also free to use the self-built huts on the premises, so they can use the Ahiro Forest for BBQ's, ent stays and other fun activities."
G-style Country Club
This golf resort, surrounded by lush greenery, is the perfect getaway to relax your body and soul. The fairways are flat and wide, and the greens, covered with bentgrass, average 800m2 in size. With each of the 18 holes separate from one another, each hole brings you a new challenge, inspiring rich and strategic plays.
Nipponia Hirafuku Post Town
This private accommodation is set in the renovated former Kimura Residence, said to have been built in the Taisho Period (1912-1926). While preserving the thick beams and traditional exterior, the house is furnished in a way that combines the atmosphere of ages past and modern comforts, with locally produced Minada washi paper used for the shoji screens and sake barrels used as tables. Visitors can enjoy relaxing on the veranda surrounding the spacious courtyard or taking a soak in the spacious bath made of Hyogo cypress.
Cobaco Work&Camp
Located in front of Sayo Station, Cobaco is a coworking space open for anyone to use. The space offers an enriching lifestyle experience where people with various skills, backgrounds, and knowledge can collaborate.